Israel Passes PTSD Law After Years of Advocacy

After three years of fighting, Israel’s Knesset passed the Combat Trauma Law just before dissolving for elections. The law, advanced by Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz with rare cooperation from the opposition, officially defines combat trauma in legislation.

This provides a legal status and acknowledges the unique impact of trauma resulting from warfare. The new law will fund individualized treatments for combat trauma sufferers through the Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department.

A budget of 45 million shekels will expand the Assistance Committee, providing eligibility, compensation, and benefits to combat trauma victims and their families based on individual needs. Itzik Saidian, a veteran who protested inadequate state care by self-immolating, stated the law marks the first time Israel recognizes combat trauma as distinct from other forms of PTSD.

Saidian emphasized this is only the beginning, and a tailored rehabilitation system must now be built to address the specific needs of those affected and their families.